First climbed in 1926 by Norman Clyde, Cloudripper offers a range of climbing options from walk-ups to scrambles. It's close proximity to the South Lake trailhead make it an ideal choice for early season or when you're not quite up for a death march. A longer but easier option is available from Glacier Lodge.
Routes include: E Ridge - Class 1 N Slopes - Class 2 W Chute - Class 3
Getting There
West Chute or North Slope From central Bishop head W on highway 168 (aka W Line Street) ~15 miles to the South Lake Road turn-off. Turn left and continue another 6 miles to the trailhead parking lot. Bear boxes and bathrooms are available.
East Ridge From Central Big Pine take the Glacier Lodge road ~12 miles to its end. Dayhikers can park directly at the trailhead. Overnight hikers need to 0.5 miles earlier or pay to park at the Glacier Lodge lot ($5 as of July 2010). There are also bear boxes and bathrooms at the trailhead.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Cloudripper:
The West Chute of Cloudripper sports relatively straightforward route finding with enjoyable climbing on solid granite and nearby options for spicing up the Class 3 rating. The total mileage with the Green Lake descent is ~8.5 miles with ~4300 ft of gain, making it an easy day excursion from South Lake.According to Secor (The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, and Trails, 1999 ed.) the West Chute was climbed by Tony Watkin on June 22, 1997. Given the accessibility of the peak and prominent nature of th...[more]Browse More Classics in CA